November 14, 2018

More
than 35,000 attendees and 1500-plus exhibitors gathered in Atlanta last
week for FABTECH 2018. Characterized by a generally upbeat and
optimistic vibe, technology solutions found throughout the three halls
and 650,000-sq.-ft. of exhibit space, included the newly introduced LVD Strippit servo-electric E-1225 punch press,
a real crowd pleaser. Thomas Weir, punching product applications
specialist, explains why in this video. The February issue of MetalForming will include a FABTECH wrap-up describing the many innovations uncovered by our editors.

The state of the automotive tooling industry looks sluggish for 2019, according to a study
just released by Harbour Results, Inc. (HRI), a Southfield, MI-based
advisory firm specializing in the manufacturing industry. The analysis
predicts that 2019 spending on automotive tooling will fall to $8
billion, a 29-percent decline compared to 2017 and a 15-percent drop
when compared to 2018 projections.

IPG Photonics Corp., an Oxford, MA-based provider of fiber lasers and amplifiers, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement
to acquire privately held Genesis Systems Group, a Davenport, IA-based
provider of integrated robotic welding and automation solutions.

Nordson
EFD's MicroCoat® system uses LVLP (Low Volume, Low Pressure) technology
to evenly coat stock while reducing oil usage up to 85%. This
non-contact solution can be customized to any precision metal stamping
application and is guaranteed to apply a consistent lubrication coverage
while extending tool life.

The Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), publisher of MetalForming and 3D Metal Printing magazines, has hired Damon Wolf as sales manager. In this role, Wolf will handle all print, online and other sales related to MetalForming and 3D Metal Printing
in the Midwest territory, and also assist in managing activity in other
sales territories. He will work closely with Brad Kuvin,
publisher/editorial director of these publications, to help develop new
products and drive revenue.

The Precision Metalforming Association presents METALFORM EDU,
a comprehensive online training system specifically designed for the
metalforming industry. METALFORM EDU includes more than 550 skills-based
courses, including 35 metalforming-specific courses NOT offered
anywhere else! Learn how METALFORM EDU is the flexible, convenient and cost-effective training resource your company needs.

Helm
Instrument is a licensed technology partner with Rockwell Automation
and manufactures strain gage input modules for Allen Bradley PLC s. Each
module has two independent channels of tonnage monitoring and high- low
alarm setpoints. These modules reside on the backplane for seamless
integration with the tonnage and setup information displayed on your
operator interface.

February 12-13, Lubrication Technology for Metalformers, Hyatt Regency, Schaumburg (Chicago), IL. This conference, powered by MetalForming magazine
with support from the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
(STLE), will update stampers and die shops on new lubricants for
stamping and tool and die machining, and help them evaluate new
formulations and select the right lubricant for the job. Attendees also
will come away with an understanding of the various techniques available
for applying lubricant, to ensure optimum application while minimizing
waste.

Ed
Potoczak, managing member of the Oakstone Group, an
industry-improvement consulting group in Rochester Hills, MI, shares
with Brad Kuvin, publisher/editorial director of MetalForming, his insights on IIoT and how it will impact small and medium-sized metalformers and fabricators.

Kick
off 2019 with a must-attend, info-packed event, the Metal Stamping and
Tool & Die Conference, January 29-30 at the Nashville (TN) Airport
Marriott. Presented by the Precision Metalforming Association in
association with MetalForming magazine, the conference features
keynote presentations, educational breakout sessions for stamping and
tool and die, exhibits and a networking reception for more than 200
attendees and sponsors. Track sessions feature new, emerging, evolving
and maturing technologies and industry trends that are impactful to
metal stamping, die design and die construction companies.